Bucs Hot Reads: Goldson ready to return after surgery

TAMPA — Offseason foot surgery has forced the Bucs to limit safety Dashon Goldson’s work during the first three weeks of training camp. The time has just about come, though, to let Goldson run loose.

After sitting out the preseason opener against Jacksonville, Goldson is expected to start and could play as much as a quarter or more during the Bucs’ preseason home opener Saturday against Miami.

“He’ll play this week,’’ Bucs coach Lovie Smith said. “The plan was to hold him out the first preseason game and I was very pleased with his demeanor on the sideline.

“It was like we had another coach on the sideline. He’s going to bring energy and of course great play, so we’re pretty excited about the tandem (with him and Mark Barron). We need to be strong down the middle of the field.’’

By the numbers

When the Bucs dropped a 16-10 decision to the Jags on Friday, Smith became the seventh head coach in team history to lose in his Bucs coaching debut.

He joined John McKay, Leeman Bennett, Ray Perkins, Sam Wyche, Tony Dungy and Raheem Morris on that list. Richard Williamson, Jon Gruden and Greg Schiano won their coaching debut with the Bucs.

Play(s) of the day

The defense came away from its loss at Jacksonville lamenting a series of wasted takeaway chances. There was no lamenting wasted turnover opportunities on Sunday.

During their first padded practice back, safety Keith Tandy, linebacker Lavonte David and corernback Leonard Jonson had interceptions during 11-on-11 drills.

Johnson returned his pick more than 40 yards for a touchdown.

Quote of the day

“I definitely want to get a taste of it, but it’s not going to be at the expense of being detrimental for the regular season.’’

— CB Alterraun Verner on how eager he is to get back on the field and play.

Roy Cummings

Training camp schedule

The following practice sessions are open and free to the public, with all practices at One Buccaneer Place: